RELEASING THIS MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND

MAY 10TH

It all started in the Garden of Eden. The world began this way, perfect and Holy. God is constantly on a journey with us to bring us back to this place and his holiness. We are not perfect, but he never gives up on us.

I painted this design originally with children in mind. It is a reminder not only of fresh beautiful starts, but also the hope of a beautiful ending when we trust in God.

Acacia trees were abundant in the 40-year journey through the dessert in the book of Exodus. During this journey, God makes a special connection with the Israelites. Gods goal is to dwell as closely as possible to his people as they complete the journey to the Promise Land.

Acacia wood was vital to building the tabernacle, the traveling place of worship, that served as the base for providing this close divine connection with God. It was the sole wood used in construction, framing, furniture, and most importantly, The Ark of the Covenant. Over 400 years later, these pieces would find their permanent home within the first temple during the reign of Solomon.

Acacia wood is strong, dense, and resistant to insects, decay, and water. It stands the test of time, and I like to think the same can be with our faith. God will always provide us with the tools we need to persevere and be close to him. AlI we need to do is seek Him.

This design is inspired by Matthew 6:25-34.

While creating these designs, it was really important to me for them to represent the plants of the Bible as accurately as possible. With the Bible being translated from multiple different languages, the context of these plants can sometimes get lost.

The lilies of the field, spoken in Matthew 6, were not likely the lilies that we so commonly think of today. More than likely, they represented a type of wildflower. Personally, this just makes this passage much richer and more beautiful. These particular lillies are based on the beautiful Scarlet Martagon Wildflowers, known for their abundance in the district of Galilee. According to the "Plants of the Bible" by John Button Balfour, the Scarlet Martagon would have come into season the same time of the year Christ was known to deliver this special message at the sermon on the mount.

No matter the flower, the message is clear. Trust in the Lord, he will provide for you.

This design is inspired after Mark 4:30-32.

“And he said, ‘With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.’”

I believe faith is a practice, just as anything else in life is. There are good and bad days. Sometimes we doubt or are scared. But I believe that Jesus promises us, once we start and invest in the kingdom of God, we can only grow from there. Once we grow with him, we are then given the gift to grow in faith with the ones around us. He shares with us that even faith as small as a mustard seed can grow without limits. He promises us the possiblities are endless once you make your home with the kingdom of God.

The olive tree is one of the earliest plants noted in the Bible, first seen in the book of Genesis when a dove clutching a olive leaf flys back to Noahs Ark as evidence of land after the great flood of the world. God then makes a promise to us, with a beautiful rainbow as a reminder, to never flood the world again.

From here the olive tree continues as a symbol of peace, prosperity, and Gods presence with us. Olive wood was used to build Solomon’s temple. Olive oil was used to anoint priests and kings. Ultimately, I believe the symbol of the olive tree represents our final savior, Jesus, “The Prince of Peace.”

I believe the olive tree can represent the peace and stability we gain by trusting the Lord; a promise we have been given that one day Christ will return. The symbolism is truly endless with this beautiful plant.

This design is inspired by Matthew 24.

The fig tree throughout the Bible is a symbol for our faith and the bounty in which faith can give us. During the chapter of Matthew 24, Jesus is nearing the end of his life. He shares with the disciples a promise, for the end of times and his return.

Everything will be gone and broken, but the Fig tree will sprout like spring. The stars will fall from the sky, and Gods words will be the only thing to remain. And for those who know the word, multiply and practice in it, the promise will be fulfilled. That promise is eternal life.